mallinatha swami history
Mallinath (Mallinātha) is the 19th Tirthankara in the current time cycle (Avasarpini) of Jainism.
- Origin and family: Jain scriptures place him in Mithilā (the Mithila region) as a prince of the Ikṣvāku dynasty, born to King Kumbha and Queen Prajñavatī.
- Life and path: As a youth he showed strong detachment (vairāgya). After long tapas and purifying practices, he attained kevala jñāna (omniscient knowledge) and began teaching others how to attain liberation.
- Liberation: He finally attained nirvāṇa (liberation) at a sacred place like Sammed Shikhar (Shikharji).
Important point about tradition:
- Digambara view: Mallinath is a male Tirthankara.
- Śvetāmbara view: Mallinath is considered a female Tirthankara named Mallī Devi (Mallivati) in their tradition.
- Despite these differences, both traditions honor Mallinath as a pure and enlightened Tirthankara who showed the path to liberation.